JP5030762B2 - Imaging apparatus and electronic endoscope - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging device that varies optical characteristics disposed in an endoscope, and an electronic endoscope including the imaging device.

  As is well known, an electronic endoscope is widely used for observation, treatment, etc. of a human body (inside a body cavity) or inspection, repair, etc. in an industrial plant facility. In recent years, there are some imaging apparatuses that use a focusing function for a captured image and a zooming / tele function by moving the observation optical system in the direction of the photographing optical axis.

Such a technique for changing the lens frame for the focusing function of the image pickup apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, one end of a coil spring formed by a shape memory alloy (hereinafter referred to as “SMA”) wire is fixed to a protrusion formed integrally with a lens frame to which a lens is attached. A technique for moving a lens frame by energizing or de-energizing via two lead wires connected to a coil spring is disclosed.
JP-A-5-341209

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1 described above, when two lead wires for grounding and for supplying a driving signal are installed at the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the coil spring formed of the SMA material, the actuator is driven. Since the lens frame sometimes moves, there is a problem that it is necessary to bend the lead wire connected to the tip, and the structure is troublesome.

  In addition, when the SMA material extends to the moving lens frame located on the front end side of the imaging device, an insulating tube for insulation is arranged up to that portion, or a folded SMA material for GND is arranged. In other words, it is difficult to assemble the imaging device to the tip of the electronic endoscope having a small work space.

  Furthermore, since the moving lens frame disposed in the imaging apparatus must be moved back and forth without shifting the optical axis of the moving lens disposed, the assembly accuracy is required. That is, the movement of the moving lens frame must be moved along the photographing optical axis.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to improve the ease of assembling an electronic endoscope equipped with a focusing function or the like to the distal end portion of an imaging device and the focusing function. An imaging device capable of preventing a deviation of a photographing optical axis of a lens provided and an electronic endoscope including the imaging device are realized.

In order to achieve the above object, an image pickup apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an image pickup apparatus in which a part of an objective lens is moved to vary optical characteristics, and a subject image disposed at a rear end portion is photoelectrically converted. A solid-state imaging device unit, a fixed lens frame that holds the objective lens disposed in front of the solid-state imaging device unit, and the partial lens that moves along the photographic optical axis inside the lens frame. A movable lens frame to be held, a rod-shaped hard member having one end connected to the movable lens frame and extending to the vicinity of the rear end where the solid-state imaging device unit is disposed, and a shape memory alloy coupled to the hard member the has an actuator which moves forward and backward the movable lens frame, having a length that extends to the rear end portion of the solid-state image pickup device unit is secured to the fixed lens frame, on said rod-like Rigid member is inserted retractably, a guide tube for the straight guide to the photographing optical axis direction of the solid-state imaging device unit, Ru comprising a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the ease of assembling an electronic endoscope having a focusing function or the like to the distal end portion of an imaging device and to prevent a deviation of a photographing optical axis of a lens provided in a moving lens frame. An imaging apparatus and an electronic endoscope including the imaging apparatus can be provided.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments based on the drawings.

(First embodiment)
First, the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 relate to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the entire electronic endoscope system, and FIG. 2 is an internal configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the image pickup apparatus, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the image pickup apparatus showing a state in which the position of the moving lens frame has moved from FIG. 3, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging apparatus according to a second modification.

  An electronic endoscope system (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope system) 1 according to the present embodiment includes an electronic endoscope (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope) 2, a light source device 3, a video processor 5, The color monitor 6 is configured to be electrically connected.

  The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 7 and an operation portion 8 in which the insertion portion 7 is extended. A universal cord 9 extending from the operation portion 8 is connected to the light source device 3 via a scope connector 10. Connected with. In addition, an electrical connector at one end of the scope cable 4 is detachably connected to the scope connector 10. The electrical connector at the other end of the scope cable 4 is connected to the video processor 5.

  The insertion portion 7 includes a distal end portion 12, a bending portion 13, and a flexible tube portion 21 that are connected in order from the distal end. On the distal end surface of the distal end portion 12, a distal end opening 11a, an observation window 19, two illumination windows 20, an observation window cleaning port 22, and an observation object cleaning port 23 are disposed.

  On the back side of the observation window 19, an imaging device described later built in the distal end portion 12 is disposed. Further, on the back side of the two illumination windows 20, a light guide bundle (not shown) that transmits illumination light from the light source device 3 and that is inserted from the distal end portion 12 into the universal cord 9 is provided.

  The observation window cleaning port 22 and the observation object cleaning port 23 are openings of two cleaning tubes (not shown) that are inserted from the distal end portion 12 into the universal cord 9. These cleaning tubes are connected to a cleaning tank (not shown) in which cleaning water is stored, a compressor, and the light source device 3 side.

  The operation unit 8 includes a forceps port 11b disposed on the lower side, a middle grip unit 18, two bending operation units 14 provided on the upper side, an air / water supply control unit 15, The suction control unit 16 includes a switch unit 17 that mainly includes an imaging function and includes a plurality of switches 17a. The forceps port 11b of the operation unit 8 and the distal end opening 11a of the insertion unit 7 constitute an opening of a treatment instrument channel disposed in the insertion unit 7.

Next, the configuration of the distal end portion 12 of the endoscope 2 will be mainly described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 12 has an imaging device 30 disposed therein. The imaging device 30 is inserted and disposed in a hard tip rigid member 24 and is fixed to the tip rigid member 24 by a set screw 27 from the side surface direction. Further, a watertight O-ring 28 is disposed on the outer peripheral portion on the distal end side of the imaging device 30. A tip cover 25 constituting the tip surface of the tip portion 12 is bonded and fixed so as to cover the tip of the tip rigid member 24.
The tip opening 11a, which is a hole formed in the tip cover 25, constitutes the opening of the treatment instrument channel 11 in the tip 12 as described above. Further, a distal end insertion portion rubber member 12 a that integrally covers the outer periphery of the distal end rigid member 24 and the bending piece 26 in the bending portion 13 is provided so as to form the outer shapes of the distal end portion 12 and the bending portion 13. . The distal end outer peripheral portion of the distal end insertion portion rubber member 12 a is fixed to the distal end portion 12 by a pincushion bonding portion 29.

  In addition, about members, such as a washing tube arrange | positioned at the front-end | tip part 12, the light guide bundle for illumination, since they are conventionally well-known structures, those description is abbreviate | omitted.

Next, the configuration of the imaging device 30 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described below.
The imaging device 30 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which an internal lens moves forward and backward for a focus function or a zooming / tele function.

  The imaging device 30 includes a front group lens frame 34 that is a fixed lens frame that forms a front group lens unit 31 and holds a front group lens 35 that includes a plurality of objective lenses, and a rear group that includes a plurality of objective lenses. A rear lens group frame 36 that is a fixed lens frame that holds the group lens 33, and a moving lens frame 38 that is provided between the lens groups 35 and 33 and that constitutes the moving lens unit 32 and that holds the moving lens 39. And a solid-state imaging device unit 46 having a CCD, a CMOS, or the like.

  The rear end portion of the front group lens frame 34 and the front end portion of the rear group lens frame 36 are fitted and joined. Further, the front end portion of the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 that holds the solid-state image sensor unit 46 is inserted and fixed to the rear end portion of the rear group lens frame 36.

  The moving lens unit 32 is slidably disposed along the photographing optical axis O direction in the rear group lens frame 36 on the rear side of the front group lens unit 31. A connecting rod 40 having a substantially cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction is provided below the moving lens frame 38 of the moving lens unit 32 so as to extend downward.

  The solid-state image sensor unit 46 includes two optical members 42 and 43, a solid-state image sensor chip 45 with an image area 44 positioned on the front surface, and a multilayer substrate 47 in the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 in order from the front end. Have. The solid-state image sensor chip 45 and the multilayer substrate 47 are electrically connected by FPC.

  In addition, the multilayer substrate 47 is connected to a plurality of communication lines of the cable 51. The cable 51 is inserted into the endoscope 2 and is electrically connected to the video processor 5 via the universal cord 9 and the scope cable 4. Further, a substantially cylindrical cable holding member 50 is externally attached to the tip portion of the cable 51.

  A reinforcing frame 48 is fitted on the outer peripheral portion of the base end of the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41, and a heat shrinkable tube that integrally covers the cable holding member 50 on the outer periphery of the reinforcing frame 48 up to the distal end portion of the cable 51. A certain covering member 49 is provided. In addition, in the space formed by the reinforcing frame 48 and the covering member 49 from the base end portion of the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 provided with the solid-state image sensor chip 45 to the cable holding member 50, an adhesive or the like is used. Filled with protective agent.

  In addition, an actuator holding portion 52 that holds an actuator 62 that constitutes an actuator device that moves the moving lens unit 32 forward and backward is formed in the rear lower portion of the rear group lens frame 36 so as to protrude downward.

Next, the configuration of the actuator 62 attached to the imaging device 30 will be described.
The actuator 62 includes a long guide tube 53 formed of an insulating member formed of a hard non-metal that is inserted into the actuator holding portion 52 of the rear group lens frame 36, and is movable forward and backward within the guide tube 53. A movable shaft 54 that is a rod-like hard member that is inserted into the movable shaft 54, an insulating member 55 that has the same outer diameter as that of the movable shaft 54 connected to the base end of the movable shaft 54, and a distal end portion connected to the insulating member 55. The shape memory alloy wire 56 inserted into the guide tube 53, the pressing spring 57 constituting the elastic body as an urging member to be externally inserted into the shape memory alloy wire 56, and the shape memory alloy wire 56 are inserted therethrough. A spring stopper tube 58 made of an insulating tube inserted into the rear portion of the tube 53 and a block body 59 for caulking and fixing the base end of the shape memory alloy wire 56 are provided.

  The shape memory alloy wire 56 is a wire having a diameter of several tens of microns, made of a shape memory alloy (hereinafter referred to as “SMA”) that contracts when heated and expands when cooled. (Hereinafter, the shape memory alloy wire is abbreviated as SMA wire).

  The guide tube 53 described above is arranged with its tip position aligned with the tip surface of the actuator holding portion 52, and is adhesively fixed to the actuator holding portion 52. The guide tube 53 has a length that extends to the rear end portion of the imaging device 30. Further, the guide tube 53 is precisely fixed so that the longitudinal axis thereof is parallel to the photographing optical axis O so that the optical performance of the imaging device 30 is satisfied.

  Further, the moving shaft body 54 provided so as to be movable forward and backward in the guide tube 53 is screwed to the connecting rod 40 at the tip. The moving shaft 54 has a length shorter than that of the guide tube 53, and a base end portion is located in the guide tube 53. The moving shaft 54 is also precisely set to be parallel to the photographic optical axis O so that the advancing / retreating moving axis that moves forward and backward in the guide tube 53 satisfies the optical performance of the imaging device 30.

  The SMA wire 56 inserted into the guide tube 53 is folded back by an insulating member 55 connected to the proximal end of the moving shaft body 54. The SMA wire 56 is folded and one end thereof is fixed by crimping to the block body 59, and the other end is fixed by crimping to another block body (not shown). The folded-back SMA wire 56 is covered with an insulating tube (not shown).

  A pressing spring 57 extrapolated to the SMA wire 56 is disposed in the guide tube 53 between the insulating member 55 and the spring stopper tube 58 so that both ends thereof are in contact with each other. Since the spring stop tube 58 is fixed to the guide tube 53, the pressing spring 57 urges the insulating member 55 that moves forward and backward integrally with the moving shaft 54 forward.

  The block body 59 that fixes both ends of the SMA wire 56 has a shape larger than the hole diameter of the spring stopper tube 58 and is disposed in contact with the rear end surface of the spring stopper tube 58. The block body 59 is electrically connected to the wire 60a of the cable 60 on the application side of the electric cable 61 by soldering or the like. The other block body (not shown) is electrically connected to the strand 60a of the cable 60 on the return side by soldering or the like.

  The connecting portion between the block body 59 and the electric cable 61 is covered with an insulating tube 63 that integrally covers the proximal end portion of the guide tube 53, so that insulation is maintained. The electric cable 61 is disposed up to the scope connector 10 of the universal cord 9 of the endoscope 2, and the electric power applied to the electric cable 61 is supplied from the video processor 5 through the scope cable 4.

  The rear lens group frame 36 is formed with a notch 36a constituting a guide groove so that the connecting rod 40 connected to the moving lens unit 32 can be advanced and retracted on the lower front side. Further, the rear lens group frame 36 is formed with a regulation contact portion 37 extending in the lower direction of the tip portion in order to regulate the forward movement of the connecting rod 40.

Next, the operation of the actuator 62 that moves the moving lens unit 32 of the imaging apparatus 30 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration back and forth will be described.
When driving the actuator 62 of the imaging device 30 for the focus function or zooming / tele function for the subject by the endoscope 2, the video processor is based on a predetermined operation by the operation unit 8 of the endoscope 2. A current flows from the power source constituting the electric cable 61 to the electric cable 61. Then, the current flows through the electric cable 61 and the SMA wire 56, and the SMA wire 56 generates heat and contracts from the length T in FIG. 3 to the length Z in FIG.

  Then, the movable shaft body 54 moves backward (in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 4) against the biasing force of the pressing spring 57 by the SMA wire 56 together with the insulating member 55 from the state shown in FIG. 3 to the state shown in FIG. ) Be pulled. As a result, the connecting rod 40 fixed to the distal end of the moving shaft 54 moves rearward (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 4) while being guided by the notch 36 a of the rear lens group frame 36 together with the moving lens unit 32. That is, the moving lens unit 32 moves forward and backward from the state located on the front side in FIG. 3 to the state located on the rear side in FIG. At this time, the moving shaft body 54 is linearly guided by the guide tube 53 in parallel with the photographing optical axis O that satisfies the optical performance of the imaging device 30.

  Here, when the flow of electric current to the electric cable 61 is stopped, the SMA wire 56 is naturally cooled and returns to its original length (length T shown in FIG. 3). At this time, the insulating member 55 is pushed forward and moved by the urging force of the pressing spring 57. In accordance with this, the moving shaft 54 and the connecting rod 40 that have moved in the proximal direction are pushed forward while being guided by the notch 36 a of the rear lens group frame 36. Then, the moving lens unit 32 moves forward in conjunction. Further, the front side of the connecting rod 40 is in contact with the restriction contact portion 37 of the rear lens group frame 36, so that the forward movement is restricted.

  As described above, the actuator 62 that moves the moving lens unit 32 forward and backward is configured to advance and retract the moving shaft body 54 by the thermal contraction of the SMA wire 56 and the urging force of the pressing spring 57.

  As described above, in the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment, the guide tube 53 that linearly guides the moving shaft body 54 in which the actuator 62 advances and retreats extends to the vicinity of the proximal end portion of the imaging device 30. Has been. For this reason, at the time of manufacturing the endoscope 2, the imaging apparatus 30 has a relatively large space in the portion where the electrical cable 61 is electrically connected to the SMA wire 56 of the actuator 62 after being assembled to the distal end rigid member 24 first. It has a configuration that can be performed at a certain rear position.

  As a result, the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in consideration of assemblability that allows easy electrical connection of the actuator 62 of the imaging device 30 assembled to the distal end portion 12.

  In addition, the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment includes a rod-shaped moving shaft 54 that transmits the expansion and contraction of the SMA wire 56 and the urging force of the pressing spring 57 to the mechanism for moving the moving lens unit 32 forward and backward, and the moving shaft. Since the guide tube 53 that holds the body 54 in a straight line is disposed, a flexible and unstable member such as the SMA wire 56 is not directly connected to the moving lens unit 32, so that the optical performance of the imaging device 30 is improved. It becomes the structure maintained reliably.

  That is, the imaging apparatus 30 strictly requires the position of the optical axis O passing through the moving lens 39 of the moving lens unit 32 of the photographing optical axis O in the mechanism for moving the moving lens unit 32 forward and backward. Therefore, the precision of parts at the time of manufacture is also required. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the arrangement accuracy of the rigid guide tube 53 and the moving shaft body 54 parallel to the photographing optical axis O, and the straight guide accuracy and the straight movement accuracy can be reliably maintained. Stable straightness can be sufficiently maintained without the position of the photographing optical axis O passing through the moving lens 39 of the moving lens unit 32 being shifted.

  As a first modification, as shown in FIG. 5, in order to stabilize the position of the photographing optical axis O passing through the moving lens unit 32 without shifting, the SMA wire 56 of the actuator 62, the moving shaft body 54, May be arranged in parallel.

  Specifically, the moving shaft body 54 connected to the connecting rod 40 is inserted and held so as to be movable back and forth in a hole parallel to the photographing optical axis O formed in the actuator holding portion 52, and is guided in a straight line. The connecting rod 40 is directly connected to the SMA wire 56 via the insulating member 65, and a proximal end surface thereof is in contact with the distal end of the pressing spring 57 so as to urge forward.

  Further, the SMA wire 56 and the pressing spring 57 are inserted into an insulating tube 64 having a groove portion 64a with the top of the tip cut out, and a spring stopper tube 58 is inserted and fixed behind the insulating tube 64. In addition, the lower end part of the connecting rod 40 is accommodated in the groove part 64a of the insulating tube 64 so that the forward / backward movement thereof is not hindered.

  Even in such a configuration, since the moving shaft body 54 is guided linearly in the hole of the actuator holding portion 52, it is possible to prevent the displacement of the photographing optical axis O passing through the moving lens unit 32.

  Furthermore, as a second modification, as shown in FIG. 6, the insulating tube 66 connected to the connecting rod 40 is inserted and held in a hole parallel to the photographing optical axis O formed in the actuator holding portion 52 so as to freely advance and retract. It is good also as composition to do.

  Specifically, the distal end portion of the insulating tube 66 is screwed to the connecting rod 40. The insulating tube 66 is connected to the SMA wire 56 through the insulating member 65 inside the tip, and the SMA wire 56 is inserted into the inside.

  Although not shown, a spring stopper tube 58 provided inside the insulating tube 66 and abutted against the proximal end of a pressing spring 57 that is extrapolated to the SMA wire 56 is fixed at the rear end portion. Even if you advance or retreat, the position is fixed. That is, the insulating tube 66 connected to the connecting rod 40 is configured to be able to advance and retract with respect to the actuator holding portion 52 and the spring retaining tube 58.

  Even in such a configuration, as in the first modification, the moving shaft body 54 is guided linearly into the hole of the actuator holding portion 52, so that the positional deviation of the photographing optical axis O passing through the moving lens unit 32 is achieved. Can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
7 to 9 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the imaging apparatus, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment described above, and a detailed description of those components is omitted.

The imaging device 30 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to adjust the position along the longitudinal axis direction of the guide tube 53 of the actuator 62 of the rear lens group frame 36.
More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the hole diameter of the hole 52a through which the guide tube 53 formed in the actuator holding portion 52 is inserted and formed is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the guide tube 53, A clearance d1 is provided between the outer surface of the guide tube 53 and the inner peripheral surface that forms the hole 52a of the actuator holding portion 52.

  After the guide tube 53 is inserted into the hole 52 a of the actuator holding portion 52, a screw 71 as a fixing member is screwed into each of the rear group lens frame 36 and the four screw holes 72 formed in the actuator holding portion 52. These screws 71 are fixed to the actuator holding portion 52 from four directions.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the moving lens frame 38 is set so that the outer diameter thereof is a clearance d <b> 2 with respect to the inner diameter of the rear group lens frame 36. That is, the outer diameter of the moving lens frame 38 is set smaller than the inner diameter of the rear group lens frame 36 by the clearance d2.

  The clearance d2 may be the same as the clearance d1 between the outer surface of the guide tube 53 and the inner peripheral surface forming the hole 52a of the actuator holding portion 52. Furthermore, the moving lens frame 38 may have any shape that can move forward and backward within the rear lens group frame 36 with a clearance d2 or more as long as the moving lens 39 can be held without matching the inner shape of the rear lens group frame 36. .

  In the imaging apparatus 30 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the amount of screwing of the four screws 71 that fix the guide tube 53 to the actuator holding portion 52 is adjusted when the moving lens 39 is aligned with the imaging optical axis O. By adjusting, it is possible to adjust in any direction of 360 degrees up, down, left and right within a range of twice the clearance d1 (d1 × 2). That is, by changing the position of the guide tube 53, the position of the moving shaft body 54 that is linearly guided by the guide tube 53 and the connecting rod 40 of the moving lens frame 38 that is fixed to the tip of the moving shaft body 54. The position is changed.

  As described above, the image pickup apparatus 30 according to the present embodiment can easily align the moving lens 39 with the photographing optical axis O in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. In addition, the requirements for the component accuracy of the connecting rod 40 are eased, and the assembly of the movable lens frame 38 including the movable lens 39 that requires the highest accuracy is facilitated.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
10 to 14 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an imaging device fitted and fixed to the distal end rigid member, and FIG. 11 is XI-XI of FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 10, and FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an imaging apparatus fitted and fixed to a conventional hard end member having a single focus optical system. FIG. 14 and FIG. 14 are partial cross-sectional views showing an imaging apparatus fitted and fixed to a distal end rigid member having a zoom / focusing optical system. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The present embodiment is an embodiment relating to a characteristic configuration of a fitting portion between a holding frame that holds a solid-state imaging element of an imaging device and an objective lens frame. In a conventional imaging device capable of zooming / focusing, the fitting portion between the holding frame that holds the solid-state imaging device and the objective lens frame has a holding portion that holds a drive mechanism that drives the moving lens frame with respect to the objective lens frame. Since it extends, the outer diameter of the holding frame that holds the solid-state image sensor and the inner diameter of the objective lens frame are fitted and fixed. With this configuration, the fitting length between the objective lens unit and the solid-state image sensor unit cannot be sufficiently secured, and the strength resistance of the imaging device is reduced. Furthermore, it is not possible to sufficiently secure the fitting length between the reinforcing frame arranged around the solid-state image sensor and the holding frame that holds the solid-state image sensor.

  Therefore, in the imaging device 30 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 is formed with a notch 41 a for avoiding the actuator holding portion 52 of the rear lens group frame 36. Then, the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 is fitted to the rear group lens frame 36 by extrapolation.

  In this state, the solid-state imaging device holding frame 41 has a predetermined length L1 and a notch 41a formed in the portion where the notch 41a is not formed. In the portion, the fitting length to the rear lens group frame 36 is, for example, a predetermined length L2. In addition, the reinforcing frame 48 that covers the solid-state image sensor unit 46 is fitted to the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41, and the fitting length is a predetermined length L3.

  On the other hand, in the conventional imaging device provided with the single focus optical system, as shown in FIG. 13, the solid-state imaging device holding frame 41 is extrapolated to the rear group lens frame 36, and the fitting length is For example, the length L4 is provided, and the reinforcing frame 48 that covers the solid-state image sensor unit 46 is fitted to the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41, and the fitting length is, for example, the length L5. And

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, in a conventional imaging device having a zoom / focusing optical system, a solid-state imaging device holding frame 41 is inserted and fitted into the rear lens group frame 36, and the fitting length is, for example, The reinforcing frame 48 that covers the solid-state image sensor unit 46 is extrapolated and fitted to the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41, and the fitting length is, for example, the length L7. .

  In contrast to these conventional imaging devices, the imaging device 30 of the present embodiment has a predetermined length in which the solid-state imaging device holding frame 41 in a portion where the notch 41a is not formed is fitted to the rear group lens frame 36. L1 is set to the same length (L1 = L4) as the fitting length L4 in which the solid-state imaging element holding frame 41 of the conventional imaging apparatus having a single focus optical system is fitted to the rear group lens frame 36.

  In addition, the imaging device 30 includes a zoom / focusing optical system having a predetermined length L2 in which the solid-state imaging device holding frame 41 in a portion where the notch 41a is formed is fitted to the rear group lens frame 36. The solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 of the imaging device is set to the same length (L2 = L6) as the fitting length L6 that fits the rear group lens frame 36.

  The solid-state imaging of the conventional imaging apparatus having the fitting length L4 in which the solid-state imaging element holding frame 41 of the conventional imaging apparatus having the single focus optical system is fitted to the rear group lens frame 36 and the zoom / focusing optical system. The relationship of the fitting length L6 at which the element holding frame 41 is fitted to the rear lens group frame 36 depends on the fitting length L4 depending on the presence or absence of the actuator holding portion 52 that is a holding portion that holds the drive mechanism that drives the moving lens frame. The longer one (L4> L6).

  Furthermore, in the imaging device 30 of the present embodiment, the reinforcing frame 48 of the conventional imaging device in which the predetermined length L3 in which the reinforcing frame 48 is fitted to the solid-state imaging device holding frame 41 includes a single focus optical system is solid-state imaging. It is set to the same length (L3 = L5) as the fitting length L5 fitted to the element holding frame 41.

  Note that the reinforcement frame 48 of the conventional imaging apparatus having the single focus optical system is fitted with the fitting length L5 in which the reinforcement frame 48 of the conventional imaging apparatus is fitted to the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 and the zoom / focusing optical system. The relationship of the fitting length L7 to be fitted to the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 is such that the fitting length L5 is longer depending on the presence / absence of the actuator holding portion 52 which is a holding portion for holding the driving mechanism for driving the moving lens frame ( L5> L7).

  From the above, the relationship between the fitting lengths in which the respective frames are fitted is L1 = L4> L6, L2 = L6, and L3 = L5> L7. As a result, the imaging apparatus 30 of the present embodiment fits the inner diameter portion of the solid-state imaging element holding frame 41 and the outer diameter portion of the rear group lens frame 36 with a sufficient fitting length, and the solid-state imaging element chip 45. Sufficient strength tolerance can be ensured by the solid-state image sensor holding frame 41 that covers the entire circumference.

  In addition, the imaging device 30 of the present embodiment fits the inner diameter portion of the reinforcing frame 48 and the outer diameter portion of the solid-state imaging element holding frame 41 with a sufficient fitting length, and the entire circumference of the solid-state imaging element unit 46. A sufficient strength resistance can be ensured by the reinforcing frame 48 covering the.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on FIG. 15 and FIG.
FIGS. 15 and 16 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an imaging device fitted and fixed to a tip rigid member, and FIG. 16 shows a configuration of a stopper ring. FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The present embodiment is an embodiment relating to a configuration characteristic of a holding unit that holds an imaging device on a distal end rigid member of an endoscope. Conventionally, when an imaging apparatus having a moving lens unit is fixed to a distal end rigid member of an endoscope, a fixing screw is applied to a groove formed on an outer periphery of a lens frame in which the moving lens unit moves forward and backward. It was found. However, the application of the fixing screw may deform the lens frame, increase the frictional resistance between the outer peripheral surface and the inner surface of the moving lens unit, and prevent the moving lens unit from sliding smoothly. It was a cause of malfunction.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the imaging device 30 according to the present embodiment includes a stopper ring 72 and a stopper ring 72 in order to prevent sliding failure so that the moving lens unit can slide smoothly. The spring 73 is fixed to the distal end rigid member 24 via the front group lens frame 34.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, a spring 73 is extrapolated to the front lens group frame 34 so as to abut against an outward flange 34 a provided on the outer periphery of the front end portion. Further, the outward flange 34 a comes into contact with an inward flange 24 a formed at the distal end of the distal end rigid member 24.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the distal end rigid member 24 is formed with a slit portion 24b into which a thin stopper ring 72 is inserted along the outer periphery of the distal end portion. Further, the stopper ring 72 is formed with a notch 72a in part so as to be expanded in the outer peripheral direction.

  After the imaging device 30 is inserted into the distal end rigid member 24, the stopper ring 72 is pushed and spread outward in the slit portion 24 b and is fitted into the outer peripheral portion of the front group lens frame 34. At that time, the spring 73 hits one surface of the stopper ring 72 and presses the outward flange 34 a of the front lens group 34 by the biasing force of the spring 73, and the outward flange 34 a hits the inward flange 24 a of the distal end rigid member 24. Hit. In this way, the imaging device 30 is fixed to the distal end rigid member 24.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus 30 of the present embodiment, the sliding lens unit 36 in which the moving lens unit 32 advances and retreats is deformed by a fixing screw or the like that fixes the distal end rigid member 24, and the sliding failure such that the inner diameter becomes narrower. Therefore, the moving lens unit 32 is prevented from being inhibited from advancing and retreating. As a result, the moving lens unit 32 is improved in sliding performance to smoothly advance and retract within the rear group lens frame 36.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIGS. 17 to 20 relate to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an imaging device fitted and fixed to a hard end member, and FIG. 18 shows a configuration of a frame spring. FIG. 19, FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an imaging device fitted and fixed to the tip rigid member of the first modification, and FIG. 20 shows the imaging device fitted and fixed to the tip rigid member of the second modification. It is a fragmentary sectional view. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The present embodiment is a configuration example for preventing a sliding failure so that the moving lens unit of the imaging device 30 can slide smoothly as in the fourth embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the circumferential surface formed behind the front lens group frame 34 is abutted from the rear by the frame leather 75, and the frame texture 75 and the tip rigid member 24 are viewed from the front. The imaging device 30 is fixed to the distal end rigid member 24 by being fixed by the screw 75c.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the frame wall 75 includes a contact portion 75 a having a screw hole 75 b into which a screw 75 c extending from one annular outer periphery is screwed. When the screw 75c is tightened, the abutting portion 75a is abutted against the rear surface of the front lens group frame 34 and the back surface of the distal end rigid member 24 so as to be drawn forward as shown in FIG. .

  From the above, the imaging device 30 of the present embodiment is deformed by the fixing screw or the like that fixes the rear group lens frame 36 on which the moving lens unit 32 advances and retracts to the distal end rigid member 24, as in the fourth embodiment. Therefore, the sliding lens unit 32 is prevented from advancing and retreating. As a result, the moving lens unit 32 is improved in sliding performance to smoothly advance and retract within the rear group lens frame 36.

  In addition, since the imaging device 30 is fixed from the front, it is possible to prevent interference such as a screw for fixing other built-in objects, and it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion 12 of the endoscope 2 and shorten the rigid length. . In addition, the imaging device 30 is configured to be easily attached to and detached from the distal end rigid member 24.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the front lens group frame 34 of the imaging device 30 may be fixed to the distal end rigid member 24 by a substantially annular fixing member 76 having an outward flange 76a.

  More specifically, the fixing member 76 includes a screw portion 76 b that is screwed into a screw portion 34 b formed on the outer periphery of the front end of the front lens group frame 34 on the inner peripheral surface. The fixing member 76 abuts on the distal end surface of the distal end rigid member 24 by the diplomatic flange 76a, and fixes the imaging device 30 to the distal end rigid member 24 so as to sandwich the distal end rigid member 24 together with the front group lens frame 34. Is.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the outer peripheral portion of the front end of the front lens group frame 34 where the moving lens unit 32 does not move back and forth may be fixed to the front end rigid member 24 with a screw 77.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
FIGS. 21 to 24 relate to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 21 is a view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope as viewed from the front, and FIG. 22 is a line XXII-XXII in FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a configuration of a divided tip rigid member, and FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modified tip rigid member. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  This embodiment is a configuration example for preventing a sliding failure so that the moving lens unit of the imaging device 30 can slide smoothly, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments. is there.

  Furthermore, the conventional imaging device may be fixed to the tip rigid member with an adhesive. When the imaging apparatus is fixed with such an adhesive, other internal components such as nozzles, channels, and light guides need to be integrally solidified with the adhesive.

  In such a case, it is difficult to remove at the time of maintenance of the imaging apparatus. Further, when one of the built-in objects is maintained, since the adhesive is filled, replacement of each replacement part becomes impossible, resulting in an uneconomical configuration.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the imaging device 30 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the distal end rigid member 24 is divided to hold and fix the imaging device 30.
Specifically, the distal end rigid member 24 is divided into two along the line XII-XII shown in FIG. The divided distal end rigid member 24 is thread-bound 83 by a thread winding groove 24c, and the two divided members are combined and fixed. These divided parts are divided by a plane including the photographing optical axis of the objective lens of the imaging device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a groove 84 for fitting and fixing the imaging device 30 is formed in each of the parts of the distal end rigid member 24 divided into two. In addition, an engagement groove 85 into which the flange portion 82 of the fixed lens frame 81 of the imaging device 30 is engaged is formed in each of these components.

  When the flange portion 82 enters the engaging groove 85, movement of the imaging device 30 fitted and held on the distal end rigid member 24 is restricted in the optical axis direction. Although not shown, the distal end rigid member 24 is provided with a groove for fitting and fixing built-in objects such as an illumination lens unit, a treatment instrument channel, and a nozzle.

  With such a configuration, in the imaging device 30 of the present embodiment, the rear group lens frame 36 in which the moving lens unit 32 advances and retracts is fixed to the distal end rigid member 24 as in the fourth and fifth embodiments. The fixed screw or the like prevents the sliding lens from causing a sliding failure such as deformation and narrowing of the inner diameter, thereby preventing the moving lens unit 32 from being obstructed from advancing and retreating. As a result, the moving lens unit 32 is improved in sliding performance to smoothly advance and retract within the rear group lens frame 36.

  In addition, since the leading end rigid member 24 made of two parts is aligned by the thread tying 83, each can be fitted and fixed without substantially increasing its outer diameter, and by releasing the thread tying 83 during maintenance, It becomes the structure which is easy to take out the built-in thing.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, it is good also as a structure from which the division position (division surface) of the front-end | tip hard member 24 differs. In FIG. 24, the distal end rigid member 24 is configured to be fitted and fixed after a built-in object such as the imaging device 30 is installed on a component 88 that is divided laterally from the rear side week portion.

  By setting it as such a structure, since the front end rigid member 24 does not have the division surface in the front end surface side, it becomes a structure which is easy to hold | maintain watertightness.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on FIG. 25 and FIG.
25 and FIG. 26 relate to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an imaging device fitted and fixed to the distal end rigid member, and FIG. 26 is an XXVI of FIG. It is a figure which shows an arrow view. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the first and sixth embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  This embodiment is a configuration example for preventing a sliding failure so that the moving lens unit of the imaging device 30 can slide smoothly, similarly to the fourth to sixth embodiments.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the imaging device 30 according to the present embodiment is configured to be held between the flange portion 82 of the fixed lens frame 81 and the distal end cover 25 and held by the distal end rigid member 24. ing.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 26, the hole for the imaging device 30 of the tip cover 25 has a plurality of claw-like protrusions 91 extending toward the center of the four holes in this case. ing. In addition, the protruding portions 91 are formed with tapered portions 92 that are inclined in the direction of the protruding end on the back side.

  First, the imaging device 30 is fitted with the flange portion 82 applied to the distal end rigid member 24. The front end cover 25 is attached from the front of the front end rigid member 24. At this time, the four protrusions 91 provided on the tip cover 25 enter the circumferential groove 94 provided on the outer periphery of the tip lens holding portion 93 of the fixed lens frame 81. Moreover, since the taper part 92 is formed in the back surface side of each projection part 91, the front-end | tip lens holding | maintenance part 93 can be climbed easily.

  Thus, in the imaging device 30 of the present embodiment, the front end rigid member 24 is fitted to the front end rigid member 24 by the flange portion 82 abutting and the projection 91 of the front end cover 25 entering the circumferential groove 94 of the fixed lens frame 81. Fixed.

  Even in such a configuration, in the imaging device 30 of the present embodiment, the rear lens group frame 36 in which the movable lens unit 32 advances and retracts is fixed to the distal end rigid member 24 as in the fourth to sixth embodiments. The fixed screw or the like prevents the sliding lens from causing a sliding failure such as deformation and narrowing of the inner diameter, thereby preventing the moving lens unit 32 from being obstructed from advancing and retreating. As a result, the moving lens unit 32 is improved in sliding performance to smoothly advance and retract within the rear group lens frame 36. Furthermore, the image pickup device 30 can be assembled to the tip rigid member 24 not only by fitting the tip cover 25 but also by simply cutting off the four protrusions 91 of the tip cover 25 during maintenance. It can be taken out.

(Eighth embodiment)
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on FIG. 27 and FIG.
FIGS. 27 to 29 relate to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 27 is a partial sectional view showing an imaging device fitted and fixed to the distal end rigid member, and FIG. 28 is a sectional view of XXVIII in FIG. FIG. 29 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an imaging device fitted and fixed to a distal end rigid member according to a modification. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the first and sixth embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

  This embodiment is a configuration example for preventing a sliding failure so that the moving lens unit of the imaging device 30 can slide smoothly even if a set screw is used.

  As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the set screw 27 for fixing the fixed lens frame 81 of the imaging device 30 to the distal end rigid member 24 presses the fixed lens frame 81 with a surface load so that the fixed lens frame 81 is pressed. A fixed ring 95 is provided around the periphery. The fixed ring 95 is made of, for example, aluminum, brass, or a rubber material that has a smaller elastic modulus than the fixed lens frame 81.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the deformation of the lens frame can be suppressed by providing the fixed ring 95 that changes the point load by the set screw 27 to the surface load.

  As a result, also in the imaging apparatus 30 of the present embodiment, as in the fourth to seventh embodiments, the rear lens group frame 36 in which the moving lens unit 32 advances and retreats is fixed by a fixing screw or the like that fixes the distal end rigid member 24. This prevents the sliding lens unit 32 from becoming a cause of a sliding failure such as deformation and narrowing of the inner diameter, thereby preventing the moving lens unit 32 from being inhibited from advancing and retreating. As a result, the moving lens unit 32 is improved in sliding performance to smoothly advance and retract within the rear group lens frame 36.

  The fixed ring for pressing and fixing the fixed lens frame 81 with a surface load is not limited to an annular shape, and is fixed in a semi-circular cross section along the outer peripheral surface of the fixed lens frame 81 as shown in FIG. The member 96 may be used.

(Ninth embodiment)
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on FIGS.
FIGS. 27 to 33 relate to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 30 is a sectional view showing a moving lens unit disposed in a fixed lens frame 81, and FIG. 31 is an example of a moving lens frame. 32 is a perspective view showing an example of a moving lens frame different from FIG. 31, and FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing an example of a moving lens frame different from FIG. 31 and FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the imaging device 30 of the endoscope 2 according to the first and sixth embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

The present embodiment is an example in which the moving lens unit in the lens frame can be smoothly advanced and retracted.
As shown in FIG. 30, the moving lens frame 38 of the moving lens unit 32 of the present embodiment reduces the frictional resistance by reducing the area in contact with the inner surface of the fixed lens frame 81 along its outer peripheral surface. For this reason, a plurality of contact reducing portions 38a are provided at substantially equal intervals around the circumference.

  These contact reducing portions 38a are formed in a rod shape as shown in FIG. 31 and integrated in a semicircular shape from the outer peripheral surface of the moving lens frame 38 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, it may be configured to project in a straight line, or may be configured to be in point contact with the inner surface of the fixed lens frame 81 by forming a plurality of spheres arranged in a line as shown in FIG.

  Since the moving lens frame 38 is thus provided with the contact reducing portion 38a, the sliding resistance with respect to the fixed lens frame 81 is reduced, so that the moving lens unit 32 can smoothly advance and retreat within the fixed lens frame 81. .

  The invention described in each of the above-described embodiments is not limited to the embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements.

  For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the effect of the invention can be obtained. A configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

The block diagram which shows the whole electronic endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the front-end | tip part of an endoscope similarly Sectional drawing showing the configuration of the imaging device Sectional drawing of the imaging device which shows the state which the position of the moving lens frame moved from FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device of a 1st modification same as the above The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device of a 2nd modification as same as the above The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. Sectional view along line IX-IX in FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device fitted and fixed to the front-end | tip hard member based on 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional imaging apparatus equipped with a single focus optical system FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an image pickup apparatus equipped with a zoom focusing optical system The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device fitted and fixed to the front-end | tip hard member based on 4th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the stopper ring The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device fitted and fixed to the front-end | tip hard member based on 5th Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the same frame The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device fitted and fixed to the front-end | tip hard member of a 1st modification same as the above The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device fitted and fixed to the front-end | tip hard member of a 2nd modification same as the above The figure which looked at the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of the endoscope which concerns on 6th Embodiment from the front FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII in FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the divided | segmented tip rigid member similarly The figure which shows the structure of the tip rigid member of a modification same as the above The fragmentary sectional view which shows the imaging device fitted and fixed to the front-end | tip hard member based on 7th Embodiment The figure which shows the arrow view of XXVI of FIG. 25 The fragmentary sectional view which shows the imaging device fitted and fixed to the front-end | tip hard member based on 8th Embodiment. FIG. 25 is a sectional view of XXVIII in FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the imaging device fitted and fixed to the front-end | tip hard member of a modified example Sectional drawing which shows the moving lens unit arrange | positioned in the fixed lens frame 81 which concerns on 9th Embodiment. The perspective view which shows an example of the moving lens frame of FIG. The perspective view which shows an example of a moving lens frame different from FIG. The perspective view which shows an example of a moving lens frame different from FIG. 31 and FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope system 2 ... Endoscope 3 ... Light source device 5 ... Video processor 6 ... Color monitor 7 ... Insertion part 8 ... Operation part 11 ... Treatment Ingredient channel 11a ... tip opening 12 ... tip 19 ... observation window 20 ... illumination window 24 ... tip rigid member 25 ... tip cover 27 ... set screw 30 ... Imaging device 31 ... front group lens unit 32 ... moving lens unit 33 ... rear group lens 34 ... front group lens frame 35 ... front group lens 36 ... rear group lens frame 38 ... · Moving lens frame 39 ··· Moving lens 40 ··· Connection rod 46 ··· Solid-state imaging device unit 48 ··· Reinforcement tube 51 ··· Cable 52 ··· Actuator holding portion 53 ··· Guide tube 54 · ..Moving shaft 55 ... insulating member 56 ... shape memory Wire 57 ... compression spring 62 ... actuator

Claims (3)

In an imaging device that changes the optical characteristics by moving a part of the objective lens,
A solid-state image sensor unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image disposed at a rear end portion;
A fixed lens frame for holding the objective lens disposed in front of the solid-state image sensor unit;
Inside the lens frame, a moving lens frame that holds the partial lens that moves along the photographic optical axis;
The moving lens frame has a rod-like hard member that is connected to one end of the moving lens frame and extends to the vicinity of the rear end where the solid-state imaging device unit is disposed, and a shape memory alloy connected to the hard member, and the moving An actuator that moves the lens frame forward and backward, and
The solid-state image sensor unit has a length that extends to the rear end portion of the solid-state image sensor unit, is fixed to the fixed lens frame, and the rod-shaped hard member is removably inserted into the solid-state image sensor unit. A guide tube that linearly guides in the axial direction;
An imaging apparatus comprising: Between the guide tube and the fixed lens frame, there is a clearance in the circumferential direction of the guide tube,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a fixing member that fixes the axial position of the guide tube to the fixed lens frame so that the axial position of the guide tube is variable within the clearance. An electronic endoscope comprising the imaging device according to claim 1 or 2 .

Images